PAB Buying Guide in Singapore
Congratulation, the fact that you landed on this page, you probably are aware of the Active Mobility Bill, rules on the spaces where personal mobility devices (PMDs) such e-scooters, hoverboard, unicycle, etc, and Power Assisted Bicycle or Electric Bicycle commonly known as e-bike may be used.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What do you need to know if you are moving to PAB
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With a complete ban of PMD from footpaths as of 1 January 2020, we saw large inquiries of users looking to switch to PABs. Many have asked us, and here are the frequently asked questions:
1. What is PAB?
PAB stands for Power Assisted Bicycles. It is basically a bicycle, a proven and tested transport apparatus in the last 200 years, modernized with added battery powered motor for extra convenience and comfort
2. What is PMD?
Personal Mobility Devices like electric scooter, unicycle, fiido, dyu, electric hoverboard and such are basically a battery dependent motorized gadget that evolves from around 20 years ago as improvement of play-toys
3. How are PAB and PMD different?
Like any bicycle, PAB relies on human to pedal (cycling) to move it. A good PAB is able to have seamless transition between motor and human pedal. PMDs do not have pedal to aid users. PMDs only depend on battery to power. Therefore, when run out of battery, PMD becomes a dead weight while PAB can still cycle through.
4. Does it have a throttle like PMD? How do you activate the motor assistance?
Under LTA regulation no throttle of any kind allowed for PABs. You get motor assistance when you start pedaling
5. What is the battery specification and charging time of PABs sold by TWD Bicycle?
Our three LTA approved PABs, SMART1S, SMART1SPLUS, MARS, are equipped with 7.8Ah 36Volt Lithium Ion battery and charging time is around 2 to 3 hours.
6. What is the distance user can expect before the battery need charging?
In average, users reported to get 50km to 60km for SMART1S, and 60 to 80km for MARS before the battery power is depleted. Distance achieved varies due to various reasons such as the total loads, road conditions, users power selections, frictions, and so on.
7. Why is my PMD with similar battery spec gets a third or half of TWD’s PAB distance only?
All three TWD Bicycle’ PABs, SMART1S, SMART1SPLUS and MARS, are equipped with premium components found in premium bicycles to minimize frictions. Therefore, they consume little battery power to overcome friction, and move forward not so much taxing on the battery. PMDs or lower quality PABs often gets high drag resistance and frictions, resulting in more battery power usage.
Due to shorter distance of PMD or lower grade PABs many are illegally modified with larger battery cramped into small space, often resulting in poor heat dissipation and often becoming fire hazard that endanger it users and their neighbors.
8. Does the battery conform to UL2272 safety requirements?
Yes Indeed, our PABs pass even more stringent and more extensive safety requirement. Our battery has been tested and passed with full mark, conforming to high European Safety Standard EN15194.
For more complete explanation on safety standard, you can refer to our article on this:
https://www.twdbicycle.com/post/2018/09/15/getting-on-ul2272-new-safety-standard-fever
9. Does PABs from TWD Bicycle get affected by the ban?
No, PABs with the latest LTA orange tag are NOT affected by the ban.
10. Will the buyer able to use it beyond 31 Dec 2019?
We are happy to inform that every single PAB bought from TWD Bicycle since beginning has conform to the latest LTA requirements of EN15194 and attached with LTA orange tag. All our customers are able to use their PAB from us in 2019, 2020 and beyond.
11. As TWD Bicycle’s PABs look just like a normal bicycle with hidden motor and battery, can they be used in public footpath?
Although our PABs are of award-winning design and look like a normal bicycle, they are still categorized as powered/motorized therefore, not allowed in the over-crowded small public footpaths. They are however allowed in the extensive network of public share-paths, park connectors, bicycle paths and public roads. We urge our users to be mindful of regulations, and let’s create beautiful and courteous Singapore for everyone.
Here is the link for extensive cycling network in Singapore (open in google map)
https://goo.gl/maps/vNPLBSPGYQcdEk3g8
12. What are the advantages of PAB over PMD?
The many benefits include regulatory approvals, users safety and satisfaction, ability to use the road, no restriction of speed limit on the road, and no dependence on the battery.
For explanations, you may refer to our blog article:
13. What is the price of PABs from TWD Bicycle?
For latest price and availability visit our online shop at www.twdbicycle.com/shop
14. Why is the price being higher than PMDs?
Many factors determine price, such as quality, design, ergonomics, durability and reliability.
Even for manual bicycle, price ranges from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands. Quality and user’s satisfaction vary following the price.
With regards to safety and ergonomics, PMDs may have hidden cost to user health due to bad seating position and lack of movements.
Although the initial investment of our PABs is higher, but the operational cost in the long run would be significantly lower due to lower replacement of parts like brake, tyres, battery which can add up significantly for PMDs
In addition, we tick all these important points: availability of local warranty, parts and service, components, ease of operation and maintenance, and overall user satisfaction.
We have written a blog article on the price and cost:
https://www.twdbicycle.com/post/2017/12/15/real-costs-of-buying-an-ebike-from-eu
https://www.twdbicycle.com/post/2017/12/10/how-to-get-the-lta-goldorange-seal
15. Do TWD’s Bicycle PABs include LTA registration?
Yes. Unlike PMDs that do not get inspected by LTA appointed inspection centre, every single unit of LTA-approved PAB sold through us still need to be inspected, sealed manually and registered with LTA. This strict enforcement are costly and involves a lot of special handling and transport and has not changed since 2016.
PMDs are not subjected to the same strict enforcement hence different rules and regulations for PABs and PMDs
16. Does installment plan available?
Installment plan up to 12 months interest free with DBS POSB and OCBC credit card is available through our online shop at LAZADA. Choose ipp during check out.
https://www.lazada.sg/shop/twd-bicycle
17. Do you have cash installment plan?
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Cash installment by Hire Purchase company is available upon request. Guarantors are needed to give consent.
18. Can a child seat be added?
Yes, child seat can attached as an add-on accessory. However please check with the local authority on the pillion rider regulations.
19. Do PAB users need to wear helmet while cycling?
Yes, we recommend it and required by regulation.
20. Where can I read the the latest rules and regulation of PAB?
21. What are the differences between SMART1S and SMART1SPLUS?
SMART1SPLUS has factory fitted:
- Rear Disc Brake
- Rear Aluminium Rack that conform to EN safety test
- Front and Rear Fenders
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22. What are the maintenance cost?
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We have written about it here
https://www.twdbicycle.com/post/maintenance-cost-why-our-customers-keep-smiling
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Other thing that you may want to considers few facts before buying:
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LTA Blue seal or Orange/Gold seal PAB? On Feb 2018 blue seal PAB was phased out and no longer able to register. From February 2018, only ebikes with orange/gold seal are allowed.
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The overall quality, battery quality, amp hours and charging time. A good PAB has fast charging time and long cycling time. we have explain this at question no 5, 6 and 7 above.
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In our opinion the rear drive is the most natural. What are the different of hub motor, front drive, rear drive or mid drive? The motor size, how does it determine the power and smoothness of your ride? [link to http://electricbikereport.com/electric-bike-motor-comparison/
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Hand throttles or Pedal Assist System (PAS). The difference between pedal cadence and torque sensor PAS? Which is better for you? [link to http://www.ebikeschool.com/pedal-assist-systems-pas-vs-hand-throttles/
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You need to take into a consideration that Throttle and start up assist features are Illegal in Singapore
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The disc brakes and safety, warranty offered;
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The build quality, design ergonomic, and dimension of the bike.
Are these the only criteria to consider before making your buying decision? Almost! There are other practical criteria to consider, these include:
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Lifestyle and primary purpose: for commuting to work or for recreational rides; Will you be hauling heavy loads during these commute? Do you need the rear rack or not needed?
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Cycling distance: Is long, medium or short distance? With PAB distance is no longer a chore.
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Easy transport: Do you intend to bring on-board MRT? consider this video https://youtu.be/G8NgJOPw7WE
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Storage: how you intend to store the PAB, indoor or outdoor? Is it safe from theft and vandalism?
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Weight: Weight and size plays an important role. Heavier bikes are harder to lift onto the bike rack.
Why would anyone want an e-Bike or PAB?
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The future of car-lite Singapore means more cycling infrastructures are built for general population. Now you can take advantage and exploring car-free existing park connectors [link to full article http://sg.asia-city.com/city-living/news/four-cycling-loops-check-out-singapore ]. Each of the following Park Connector loops offer the stressful city dwellers lots of scenic and tranquil waterfront views, and loads of opportunities to unwind, rejuvenate and getting a full workout:
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List of Park Connectors https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network
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North East Riverine Loop, a 26 km biking trial with plenty of nature and relaxing waterfronts.
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Northern Explorer Loop, it’s a 17.5 km trail which takes you from Pasir Ris Town Park to East Coast Park with great food stops along the way.
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Eastern Coastal Loop, this 15 km loop takes you from Changi to City area and Admiralty Park, where nature lovers can attempt to stop wildlife at Sungai Cina’s fresh water swaps before making a final stop at Singapore’s longest coastal jetty in Woodlands Waterfront.
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Western Adventure Loop, a challenging 12km trial where the eagle-eyed may spot a variety of birds like Pacific Swallow and the White-Bellied Sea Eagle.
Well, the promise of being able to ride further, faster, efficiency in climbing stiff slops, e-bike offer great benefits and taking the hard work out of cycling. Put simply, an e-bike is a motorized bike that will provide extra power when you are pedaling. This extra oomph will takes away the sweats, arriving at work fresh, or enabling many more to enjoy longer distance recreational rids offered by existing park connectors.
What e-Bike/PAB should I buy?
There are many criteria to consider before finding an e-bike that suits your need. Most of our claims to our PABs are based on actual users which reviewing our products and services at https://g.page/twdbicycle?
Unlike many who offer sub-par stop-gap solutions, only to disadvantage their buyers in the long run, we at TWD Bicycle stand firm at our believe not to do such that bring disadvantages to our valued customers. When we say we care, we meant it from the bottom of our heart.
Our website contains rich necessary information for anyone to make an informed decision on owning legal PABs in Singapore. If you click on our online shop you can also have the actual LTA list of approved PABs in Singapore for your comparison.
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Now, If you are ready for great PABs, feel your freedom, enjoy the peace of mind, bring your cycling to next level, taking the future now, bringing distance closer and having options to stay healthy or a relaxing pace, why not contact us at: +65 97389114 or come to our Main showroom at 194 Pandan Loop, #05-07 Pantech Business Hub. Singapore128383 for a test and feel it.
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